Assessing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Commitment to Constant Electricity in Nigeria: Challenges and Pathways Forward.
By Abayomi Odunowo.
The promise of constant electricity has long been a mirage for countless Nigerians, obstructed by the existential challenges that plague the power sector. During his campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged to provide citizens with reliable electricity within a four-year timeframe, stating unequivocally, “If I don’t give you constant electricity for 4 years, don’t vote for me when I come back for second term.” As of February 2025—21 months into his tenure—this promise stands in stark contrast to the realities faced by the nation. The frequency of national grid collapses, including twelve significant failures in 2024 alone, has led to widespread blackouts across pivotal urban centers such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. The persistent inability to deliver stable power exacerbates a myriad of socio-economic challenges in Nigeria, hampering industrial productivity, stymieing educational advancement, and deteriorating the quality of life for millions of citizens.
The prevalence of blackouts is not merely an inconvenience but a catastrophic failure that severely hampers daily life and economic activities. The most recent grid failure, occurring on February 12, 2025, marked another disheartening chapter in Nigeria’s power narrative, highlighting the systemic weaknesses within the sector. The root causes of these outages can be traced to aging infrastructure, characterized by transmission lines and substations that are well over four decades old, coupled with inadequate maintenance regimes and insufficient investment. These vulnerabilities render the power sector appallingly fragile.
Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by external issues such as vandalism of power infrastructure and the persistent insufficiency of gas supply to thermal plants, which constitute over 75% of the country’s power generation capacity. While certain areas experience improved power supply—up to 16 hours of electricity daily—an alarming number of regions still resort to less than two hours of electricity in a 24-hour period. Tragically, some communities endure excruciating six-month stretches without electric power. This stark inconsistency illustrates the urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of current strategies, policies, and personnel managing Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
For President Tinubu to honor his commitment to providing constant electricity within his first term, comprehensive measures must be implemented. It is crucial that his administration undertakes a critical assessment of the prevailing strategies and personnel governing the power sector. This review must prioritize restructuring and revitalizing the institutions responsible for managing the country’s energy resources.
The President has already signaled intentions to advance the Siemens Energy power project, a vital initiative that aims to bolster electricity provision. However, this endeavor alone is insufficient without addressing the systemic issues that have long hindered progress. Investing in the modernization of infrastructure, establishing rigorous maintenance protocols, and securing a reliable gas supply for thermal plants are fundamental steps that need to be prioritized.
Furthermore, engaging private-sector stakeholders in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) could facilitate significant investment and innovation in the power sector. Such partnerships can lead to the integration of renewable energy sources—like solar and wind—which not only diversify Nigeria’s energy portfolio but also enhance sustainability and resilience in the long run. Policymaking must focus on fostering an environment conducive to investment, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and bolstering security measures to combat vandalism of power infrastructure.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge for reliable electricity within four years presents an ambitious yet crucial goal for Nigeria’s socio-economic progress. The persistent challenges—characterized by grid failures, infrastructural decay, and inequitable power distribution—demand urgent and strategic intervention. For Tinubu to fulfill his commitment to the Nigerian populace, it is imperative that his administration reassesses its approaches, fosters collaborative efforts, and invests in sustainable frameworks that will secure the future of Nigeria’s power sector. Only through collective determination and decisive action can Nigeria emerge from the darkness and realize the promise of constant electricity for all.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: +2349053535322
AATSG Media.
URL: www.AATSG.org.ng
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VadcNX21NCrRShw4S33A
AATSG OFFICIAL
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.slim.aatsg
AATSGiD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myid.aatsgid
